Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program
Ontario, with its vibrant cities and economic opportunities, stands as Canada’s most sought-after destination for immigrants worldwide. Boasting nearly 40 percent of the Canadian population, Ontario is not just a province; it’s a hub of diversity, innovation, and growth. If you’re considering making Ontario your new home, the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) is your key to unlocking the doors of opportunity.
Overview of the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
The Ontario PNP, officially known as the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP), has been shaping the immigration landscape since its launch in 2007. With a primary focus on addressing skill shortages, encouraging investment, and ensuring seamless integration, the OINP has become a beacon for those seeking a new life in Canada.
Categories Under the OINP
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) identifies potential candidates and reaches out to them directly. Candidates cannot apply directly; they must wait to receive a Notification of Interest (NOI) from the OINP. Without an NOI, applicants are not eligible to apply for a provincial nomination.
Ontario offers four distinct immigration categories under the OINP, each catering to specific skills and aspirations:
Human Capital Category
Masters or Ph.D Category
Employer Job Offer Category
Business Category
Human Capital Priorities Stream
Eligibility Criteria
Intention to Reside: Must plan to live and work in Ontario.
Express Entry: Valid Express Entry Profile and Job Seeker Validation code required.
Federal Programs: Must meet criteria for either the Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Canadian Experience Class.
Education: Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree or higher; three-year diplomas are ineligible.
Educational Credential Assessment: Required if degree obtained outside Canada.
Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB 7 in listening, reading, writing, and speaking in English or French.
No Job Offer Required
Settlement Funds: Must demonstrate the required funds for family size.
Immigration Status: Valid status in Canada if applying from within.
The OINP evaluates candidates based on their primary National Occupational Classification (NOC) code and Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score.
French-Speaking Skilled Worker Stream
Eligibility Criteria
Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB 7 in French and CLB 6 in English.
Intention to Reside: Must plan to live and work in Ontario.
Express Entry: Valid Express Entry Profile and Job Seeker Validation code required.
Federal Programs: Must meet criteria for either the Federal Skilled Worker Program or the Canadian Experience Class.
Education: Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree or higher; three-year diplomas are ineligible.
Educational Credential Assessment: Required.
No Job Offer Required
Settlement Funds: Must demonstrate the required funds for family size.
Immigration Status: Valid status in Canada if applying from within.
Express Entry Skilled Trades Stream
Eligibility Criteria
Work Experience: At least one year of full-time paid work experience in Ontario within the last two years, in specific NOC groups.
Licensing: Valid certificate or license if required for the trade.
Residency: Must currently reside in Ontario with a valid work permit.
Intention to Reside: Must plan to live and work in Ontario.
No Job Offer Required
Express Entry: Valid Express Entry Profile and Job Seeker Validation code required.
Federal Programs: Must meet criteria for the Canadian Experience Class.
Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB 5 in all sections of an approved language test.
Settlement Funds: Must demonstrate the required funds for family size.
Masters Graduate Stream
Eligibility Criteria
Education: Must have completed at least one year of full-time study and obtained a Master’s from an eligible Ontario university.
Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB 7 in all sections of an approved language test.
Residency: Must have lived in Ontario for at least one year in the past two years.
Settlement Funds: Must demonstrate the required funds for family size.
Expression of Interest (EOI) Required
Intention to Reside: Must plan to live and work in Ontario.
Application Timing: Must apply within two years of the date on the Master’s degree.
PhD Graduate Stream
Eligibility Criteria
Education: Must have obtained a PhD from an eligible Ontario university, with two years of study completed in Ontario.
Residency: Must have lived in Ontario for at least one year in the past two years.
Settlement Funds: Must demonstrate the required funds for family size.
Intention to Reside: Must plan to live and work in Ontario.
Expression of Interest (EOI) Required
Immigration Status: Valid status if applying from within Canada.
Application Timing: Must apply within two years of the date on the PhD degree.
Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker Stream
Job Offer Criteria
Position: Full-time, paid, permanent, and indeterminate in TEER category 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the NOC.
Wage: Must meet the median wage level for the occupation and region.
Employer: Position must be essential to the business, and work must be primarily in Ontario.
Expression of Interest (EOI) Required
Applicant Criteria
Work Experience: At least two years of full-time work experience in the same occupation within the last five years.
Licensing: Valid license or authorization if required.
Intention to Reside: Must plan to live and work in Ontario.
Employer Criteria
Business Operations: Active business for at least three years.
Revenue: Minimum $500,000 annual revenue if outside the Greater Toronto Area (GTA); $1,000,000 if within GTA.
Employees: Minimum five full-time Canadian or permanent resident employees if within GTA; three if outside GTA.
Employer Job Offer: International Student Stream
Job Offer Criteria:
Position: Full-time, paid, permanent, and indeterminate in TEER category 0, 1, 2, or 3 of the NOC.
Wage: Must meet or exceed the low wage level for the occupation and region.
Expression of Interest (EOI) Required
Employer: Position must be essential to the business, and work must be primarily in Ontario.
Applicant Criteria
Education: Completed an undergraduate or graduate degree/diploma from an eligible Canadian institution.
Licensing: Valid license or authorization if required.
Intention to Reside: Must plan to live and work in Ontario.
Application Timing: Must apply within two years of the date on the degree/diploma.
Employer Job Offer: In-Demand Skills Stream
Job Offer Criteria
Position: Full-time, paid, permanent, and indeterminate in specific in-demand NOC occupations.
Wage: Must meet the median wage level for the occupation and region.
Employer: Position must be essential to the business, and work must be primarily in Ontario.
Expression of Interest (EOI) Required
Applicant Criteria
Work Experience: At least nine months of full-time work experience in Ontario in the same in-demand occupation within the last three years.
Licensing: Valid license or authorization if required.
Language Proficiency: Minimum CLB 4 in all sections of an approved language test.
Education: Minimum high school diploma, assessed by an approved organization.
Intention to Reside: Must plan to live and work in Ontario.
Settlement Funds: Must demonstrate the required funds for family size.
Employer Criteria
Business Operations: Active business for at least three years.
Revenue: Minimum $500,000 annual revenue if outside Greater Toronto Area (GTA); $1,000,000 if within GTA.
Employees: Minimum five full-time Canadian or permanent resident employees if within GTA; three if outside GTA; three if outside GTA.
How ImmigCanada Can Help You?
Our team at ImmigCanada has assisted thousands of individuals in immigrating to Canada. With the assistance of our experienced RCICs, we will help you with your application as well as the right pathway to Canada. With our extensive experience in the burgeoning immigration industry, we have embarked on our niche in the industry with our strong reputation and a vast wealth of goodwill. We have consistently helped aspiring immigrants looking to settle in Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Does the Ontario PNP need a job offer?
The Human Capital Category does not require a job offer. It includes streams such as Human Capital Priorities, French-Speaking Skilled Workers, Skilled Trades, Master’s Graduates, and PhD Graduates.
Q2. How does the Ontario PNP work?
The OINP identifies and nominates individuals with skills and experience targeted by the province. Successful nominees can then apply for Canadian permanent residence through Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Q3. How can I apply for the Ontario PNP through Express Entry?
Certain streams, such as the Human Capital Priorities Stream, are aligned with the Express Entry system. Nominees receive additional points, enhancing their chances of receiving an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence.
Q4. Is the Ontario PNP easy?
The complexity depends on the category you apply for. Each category has its own set of requirements, and seeking professional assistance can streamline the process.
Q5. How long does the Ontario PNP take?
Processing times vary, but generally range from 30 to 120 days, depending on the category.
Q6. How can I qualify for the Ontario PNP?
Eligibility criteria differ for each category, covering factors like work experience, education, language proficiency, and intent to reside in Ontario.
Q7. Is Ontario PNP open now?
The program is ongoing, and candidates can apply based on their eligibility and the streams they qualify for.
Q8. When does Ontario PNP open?
The program operates continuously, and eligible candidates can apply when they meet the requirements.
Q9. Why immigrate to Ontario?
Ontario offers job opportunities, a high standard of living, and a diverse and inclusive community, making it an attractive destination for immigrants.
Q10. What are some popular colleges in Ontario?
Ontario is home to prestigious institutions like the University of Toronto, York University, and Ryerson University, offering world-class education.
